WHEEL History

2012

October 21

Planting the Tree of Life

The Homeless Remembrance Project was begun in 2003. Eight years later, the Tree of Life was raised in Victor Steinbrueck Park on October 21, 2012.

2011

June 11

First Leaves of Remembrance

The Homeless Remembrance Project held our first leaf dedication ceremony, laying 15 new Leaves outside of Noel House/Bakhita Gardens. More than 300 people joined in celebration.

2004

June 16

Starting Tent City 4

In 2004, King County Executive Ron Sims came to agree with SHARE/WHEEL–after years of persuasion–that King County needed another Tent City. He began helping us to start an encampment on the East Side. After months of public wrangling, we succeeded.

2003

August 28

Homeless Remembrance Project Begins

WHEEL drew together a Homeless Remembrance Project Committee to establish public places of gathering, beauty and remembrance to honor people who experienced homelessness who have died in King County.

June 28

Women’s Empowerment Center Opens

WHEEL established the Women’s Empowerment Center, a self-managed day organizing, arts, and education center for homeless and formerly homeless women.

2000

May 28

Founding of WHEEL Women in Black

Partnering with Mary’s Place, WHEEL began holding Women in Black vigils to honor and remember homeless people who died outside or by violence in Seattle. More

March 31

Starting Tent City 3

On March 31st–the day that Seattle’s Winter Response shelters closed–SHARE/WHEEL opened a self-managed encampment for 100 people.

January 1

Severe Weather Women’s Shelter Opens

WHEEL opens a Severe Weather shelter—open only on nights of the most life-threatening weather, as decided by the Human Services Department—for any woman, in any condition, at any time of night. The new shelter is hosted by First United Methodist Church. Staff is hired from our own community of homeless and formerly homeless women. In the following years, the shelter will grow from severe weather only, to all winter, to year-round—and will move to a new host five times.

1995

November 16

First Homeless Women’s Forum

November 1995, WHEEL held a large, public event organized and presented by homeless and formerly homeless women — the first of its kind. As companion to the event, we published a chapbook, “Through the Looking Glass,” of poetry by homeless and formerly homeless women.

1994